Schumer asks Army Corps to develop flood plan for Buffalo Creek

Flooding along the Buffalo Creek in West Seneca could be a thing of the past if the federal government answers Sen. Charles Schumer's call for help.

Schumer wants the Army Corps of Engineers to develop and install ice control measures for the Buffalo Creek. So far this winter, ice jam flooding has caused an estimated $700,000 in damage to homes in the Lexington Green neighborhood.

"When Mother Nature repeatedly strikes at the same neighborhood and the same residents, it's clear that something must be done," Schumer said Wednesday morning.

Schumer says the Army Corps can save residents along the Creek not only from worry, but also thousands of dollars in property damage. He says funding is not an issue.

"There are millions of federal dollars available to this project," Schumer said. "So the Army Corps can't say they don't have the budget to do it."

In the meantime, Schumer is asking the Marine Corps to send one of its amphibious vehicles to the Buffalo area. He says it can be used in local creeks to break up ice jams and prevent more disasters this season.

"I'm asking the Marines to move quickly on this request. We're in an emergency situation right now. The vehicle could be used right away to break up any remaining ice jams that cause flooding this winter and into the spring," Schumer said.

In another development, Rep. Brian Higgins says the design of the new Harlem Road bridge will reduce ice jam flooding on the Buffalo River.